Hadith #6189

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he states,

The actions that are most effective in bringing chastisement are oppression and ingratitude for blessings.

Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith and explore its exegesis in light of the Quran.

The word (niqmah) "نِقْمَةُ" in Arabic refers to punishment or chastisement. It signifies the consequences that follow certain actions. The word (baghy) "بَغْيُ" means oppression or transgression. It refers to any act of injustice, whether it is against oneself or others. The word (kufr) "كُفْرُ" means ingratitude or denial. It signifies the act of denying or rejecting the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:205),

And when he turns away [from you], his effort in the land is to cause corruption therein and to destroy crops and animals. And Allah does not like corruption.

This verse highlights the consequences of oppression and transgression. When a person engages in acts of injustice, it leads to corruption and destruction in society.

Furthermore, in Surah Ibrahim (14:34), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And He gave you from all you asked of Him. And if you should count the favor of Allah, you could not enumerate them. Indeed, mankind is [generally] most unjust and ungrateful.

This verse emphasizes the ingratitude of mankind towards the countless blessings bestowed upon them by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Ingratitude is a form of denial and rejection of the favors and blessings of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this Hadith highlights the severity of oppression and ingratitude. These actions have far-reaching consequences, not only in this world but also in the hereafter. Oppression leads to the destruction of societies, the violation of rights, and the suffering of innocent individuals. Ingratitude, on the other hand, is a rejection of the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is a failure to recognize and appreciate the countless favors that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has bestowed upon us.

When we oppress others, we disrupt the balance and harmony that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has ordained in this world. We cause suffering and pain to our fellow human beings, which ultimately leads to the deterioration of society. Similarly, when we are ungrateful for the blessings bestowed upon us, we fail to fulfill our responsibilities towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and His creation. We become heedless of His favors and neglectful of our duties.

The consequences of oppression and ingratitude are not limited to this world alone. In the hereafter, those who have oppressed others and shown ingratitude will face severe punishment. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:180),

And let not those who [greedily] withhold what Allah has given them of His bounty ever think that it is better for them. Rather, it is worse for them. Their necks will be encircled by what they withheld on the Day of Resurrection. And to Allah belongs the heritage of the heavens and the earth. And Allah, with what you do, is [fully] Acquainted.

Therefore, as Muslims, we must strive to avoid oppression and ingratitude. We should uphold justice and fairness in all our dealings, treating others with kindness and compassion. We should also constantly reflect upon the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and express gratitude for them. By doing so, we not only fulfill our responsibilities towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and His creation but also safeguard ourselves from the severe consequences of oppression and ingratitude.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to the path of justice, gratitude, and righteousness. May He protect us from oppression and ingratitude, and grant us success in this world and the hereafter.